I think I understand your reasons for asking for the waiver, but the timing is what I don't quite understand. If in fact the only time loco runs on FRA controlled rails is the one-week of Railfest on the D&S, why was the request for the waiver not held until say September, after the event was completed. Given the flues are still good for the remainder of the year, the waiver you seek would have extended from Jan 1, 2006 correct. I might be missing something here on this one, but I do hope something can be worked out, otherwise I sympathize with your tough decission should a waiver not be granted.
Steamingly,
Greg Scholl
PS. I think I have to agree with Kelly's assessment, and fully expect the 15 year rule to be adhered to. Other engines are in the same boat. Just look at Ohio Central, which hasn't had one engine steamed all year. Here's a 4-8-4 that will likely not operate in 2005. 4449 and 700 are lucky to operate 2-3 days per year. Thats not much for a 15 year overall!!! Yet the clock keeps ticking! It does make one wonder about the sanity of restoring an engine. Especially with folks that have no certainty of running like some park engines I know of that are being restored!